Hiking Massachusetts Peaks

Mass Public Peaks rank: #40
Elevation: 1,843 feet
Prominence: 233 feet
Isolation: 0.74 miles
Summit coordinates: 42°26’46.2″N 73°20’12.5″W
Town: Hancock, Massachusetts
Conservation Area: Pittsfield State Forest

Links:
Shaker Mountain on Peakbagger
Shaker Mountain on ListsofJohn
Shaker Mountain on Wikipedia
Pittsfield State Forest (including trail map)
Pittsfield State Forest on Alltrails

General info: Much of this information will duplicate the post for Holy Mount as these two are essentially twins, side by side in the Taconic Mountains near the historic Hancock Shaker Village. Both are historically associated with the Shakers and the summits were used by them as part of their religious practices (see Historical Background below for more on that). The mountain is part of Pittsfield State Forest. The summit is wooded and without views but there is plenty of interesting history here. There is a good trail that runs very close to the summit. If you want to stand on the actual highpoint (as I usually do) you’ll need to bushwhack just about 300 feet east of the trail along an obvious rise. When I reached what appeared to be the highpoint, I was not surprised to find a small cairn against a tree. A hike of Shaker Mountain should definitely include Holy Mount, just to the west.

Historical background:  Shaker communities were known for their innovative architecture, craftsmanship, and communal lifestyle as part of the United Society of Believers in Christ’s Second Appearing (but by outsiders, more commonly called Shakers). In the 19th century, the Shaker community from Hancock held religious ceremonies on Holy Mount, considering it a sacred site. These gatherings, often involving the entire community, were significant spiritual events. While Holy Mount’s summit exhibits interesting ruins associated with the Shakers’ religious meetings, Shaker Mountain is devoid of such remnants. It seems Shaker Mountain was more a location for religious meditation and therefore left in its natural state. The only trace of human development here (aside from some very unfortunate power lines along the east shoulder), is a fenced in Shaker cemetery. In keeping with their austere practices, the graves were not marked. The fenced clearing and a small sign asking visitors to respect the site are the only indication that this is the final resting place of an unknown number of people. It was indeed a mysterious and slightly eerie location.

Recommended ascent routes:
The Shaker Trail Loop: There is only one trail up and over the mountain, the Shaker Trail. If you follow the whole loop, it will take you over both Shaker Mountain and Holy Mountain. As mentioned above, there are lots of interesting historic sites and ruins along the way. There is plenty of parking at the large parking area on Route 20 across from the Hancock Shaker Village. This full loop is about 5.5 miles with about 1,100 feet in elevation gain.

Nearby Mass 50 Highest Public Peaks: As noted, Holy Mount is a near neighbor, a hike of these two together is a perfect day hike. If you want to go further, Perry Peak to the south is within hiking distance and connected by trails. Smith Mountain to the north, also within Pittsfield State Forest, could be included if you want a longer hike.

Click photos to enlarge: